The scholarship will be awarded to a Bethany College student who is a Christian ministry major, an international student or student of minority ethnicity.
Stanley and Madelyn Swanson served as missionaries to Tanzania from 1946 to 1951. They returned to Africa and the Middle East several times during their lives.
Stanley Swanson was college chaplain and professor at Bethany College from 1956 to 1972, teaching courses in religion, philosophy and Greek. After a sabbatical in 1972-1973, Stan continued as professor at the college until 1985.
Bethany professor Ron MacLennan remembers the Swansons as a warm and loving presence on campus. "Stan in particular was a bridge. Religion-oriented students trusted and appreciated him, and those who were just beginning to think about their faith appreciated his openness. You could talk about anything with Stan, and it wouldn’t go anywhere. And when Stan talked about his Islamic friends in Africa, you gained a new perspective without being propaganda," MacLennan said.
All of the Swanson’s five children are Bethany College alumni, including the Rev. Stephen Swanson, Bethany class of 1967; the Rev. Timothy Swanson, Bethany class of 1969; Susan Swanson Swartz, Bethany class of 1976; the Rev. Rebekah Swanson Wagner, Bethany class of 1976; and Sarah Swanson Bieber, Bethany class of 1984.
"A scholarship given by family and friends is one that speaks from their hearts about the significance of a person’s life, and it enables generations of new students to experience the life-changing impact of education at Bethany College. We are very grateful to the Swanson family for making this gift to students," said Karen Humphrey, then vice president of advancement at Bethany College.
Bethany College, established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881, is a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The mission of Bethany College is to nurture and challenge individuals in their search for truth and meaning as they lead lives of faith, learning and service.
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CONTACT: Colene Lind, (785) 227-3311, ext. 8122
